Akufo-Addo Sparks Chieftaincy Feud In Mafi

Manklalo Disowns Togbe Atatim

From Samuel Mensa Torbizo, Kumasi

The Manaklalo of Mafi Traditional area in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region, Togbe Asafo Brentoa, is fuming with anger, over the sub chief’s decision to arrogate to himself the title “Chief of the Mafi Traditional Area” and pledge the support of the Mafi people to a political party in the forthcoming presidential election.

The Manklalo, said the attitude of Togbe Atatim, a sub chief of Mafi Avedo within the same traditional area, is not only deceptive, but could spark chieftaincy dispute to derail the peace and development agenda in the area.

The Herald’s information is that, per the setting of the Mafi traditional system, the Manklalo, who is also the chief of Mafi Kumase is the over lord of the Mafi people.

Togbe Atatim , who was described as the paramount chief of the Mafia Traditional Area, in a meeting with Nana Akufo Addo; the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Adidome during his visit to the region , pledged his support on behalf of the people and other chiefs in the three Tongu Constituencies, namely South ,Central and North.

Togbe Atatim, was captured by both social and mainstream media, including Joy FM as saying “Akufo-Addo Will Not Disappoint Us – Volta Chief”.

The story had read “ Togbe Atatim IV, chief of the Mafi Traditional Area has indicated that the chiefs and people South Central and North Tognu are confidence that the 2016 presidential candidate of the NPP Nana Addo Dankwa Addo is capable of rising to the occasion when given the opportunity in this year’s elections”.

Togbe Atatim IV, in the story was said to have commended the NPP flag bearer for the healthy campaign he is running and admonished other candidates in this year’s elections to follow suit.

Continuing, the story said, perceiving strongholds of political parties, should not have characteristics based on tribalism, opportunism and elitism and urged the electorate not to pay heed to politicians, who thrive on tribalism.

He mentioned that “these are negative features which can plunge the nation into chaos. In this context, therefore, the chiefs would want to unequivocally and unreservedly state that the 2016 elections should be devoid of tribalism and action by dishonest politicians aimed luring votes”.

Togbe Atatim, obviously out to get recognition before Nana Addo, lashed at the current administration for failing to complete projects, started by the NPP under President Kuffour.

Additionally the chief, urged Nana Addo to fund the development of market structures at Sogakofe, Adidome and other places in the district to offer jobs for the unemployed.

But in a rebuttal, the Manklalo Asafo Brentoa, cautioned him to desist from posing himself as the chief of Mafi Traditional area.

Togbe Brentoa, in telephone interview with The Herald , said nobody would begrudge Togbe Atatim over why he had a meeting with the NPP flagbearer, but the title he has arrogated to himself, was misleading.

Giving the chronology to the events prior to Nana Addo ‘s visit to the Constituency, the Manklalo disclosed that, it was the NPP chairman for the area , who brought him an invitation on Thursday evening, indicating Nana Addo would be in the Central Tongu on Friday, but he told him that because of his busy schedule, he would not be able to attend the meeting.

“I was shock to hear that major radio station such as Joy Fm aired the without crosschecking that Togbe Atatim who is only a sub chief of Avedo without a linage to the paramountcy claimed to be the chief of the Mafi traditional area ,I did not delegate any of my subjects to represent me so the whole thing looked to as a “ silent coup, “ he remarked .

He said, prior to the 2012 elections when he received early invitation for similar event, he led all the chiefs to meet Nana Addo, and even met him later again in Accra.

Togbe Asafo Brentoa insisted that “I want to say without reservation that if Togbe Atatim wants to do politics nobody would prevent him but he must stop parading himself as the overlord of the Mafi Traditional area by dragging our names in the mud”.

He stressed that “I would like to use your platform to calm the nerves all the Mafi descendants both home and abroad on any disaffection the irresponsible behavior of Togbe Atatim might have caused them. We won’t allow any group or individual for their selfish interest to sway attention from our development agenda’’.